Critic Al’s Football Week 4 Pick ‘Em
It’s Week 4 in the NFL, and that means it’s time for Brett Favre to finally play the team that cast him away. Or, if you’re a Packers fan, it’s time for Favre to personally stomp all over 16 years of memories.
Packers vs. Vikings
The thing about NFL games is, usually you can leave out the emotional component. Sure, players on opposite teams might hate each other. But there aren’t rivalry games like in college ball, for the sheer fact that everyone plays their division teams twice a year. But I can’t think of an NFL game in recent memory that’s ever had buildup like this one.
But all things being equal, I still like the Vikings in this one. They still have the best tailback in the league and a better defense than Green Bay can muster. We’ll see what happens when they rematch at Lambeau Field next month, but for now, I’ll take the Vikings in this emotional match up.
Now, on to the other, less emotionally-charged games.
Tampa Bay at Washington (-7)
Boy, Washington deserves some serious ridicule for losing to Detroit. But will they drop two bad losses in a row? Considering Tampa Bay is now switching quarterbacks, I’ll give the Redskins the nod for at least one more week before I write them off forever.
Tennessee (-3) at Jacksonville
Let’s see. The Texans beat the Titans, but then lost to the Jaguars. So the transitive property says the Jaguars should in turn beat the Titans. I’m not one to argue with math, but there’s only so much a 0-3 team can take before it snaps. Tennessee takes its aggression out on Jacksonville this week.
Oakland at Houston (-9)
I gave Oakland the benefit of the doubt last week, and they blew it. Therefore, it’s the Texans in this one, for the sheer fact that JaMarcus Russell hasn’t even come close to figuring out how to play the QB position in the pros.
Cincinnati (-5.5) at Cleveland
This game sure would be a stinker had the Bengals not beaten the Steelers last week. But can the Browns rally now that Derek Anderson is under center? In a word … no. And I’m not certain that the Browns will win at all this season. Bengals win.
Seattle at Indianapolis (10.5)
If Matt Hasselbeck was healthy, I’d give Seattle at least a puncher’s chance against the Colts. But no way do these Seahawks keep up with the Colts.
New York Giants (-8.5) at Kansas City
Eeesh. I can’t think of a single reason to believe in the Chiefs. Until they show me an ounce of intestinal fortitude, I’ll pick against them all season long.
Detroit at Chicago (-10)
Alright, Detroit. You won a game. But are you ready to do it again? I said it before, and I’ll say it again. I think Detroit can win a game in the NFC North, but it’ll be later this season. Bears take this one.
Baltimore at New England (-2)
I don’t understand why New England is the favorite in this one. Baltimore is undefeated, and Joe Flacco has a better passer rating than Tom Brady. New England hasn’t proved enough yet, so they won’t win this week. Baltimore takes it, and the Ravens will certainly go for the knockout punch.
Buffalo (-2) at Miami
This could get ugly. If he doesn’t get a catch this week, I think Terrell Owens will get crazy-eyes. Meanwhile, Chad Henne takes over at quarterback for Miami, and I’ll give him a chance for the sole reason that Buffalo has an awful defense and Miami doesn’t. Dolphins win.”
New York Jets at New Orleans (-7)
If Favre wasn’t playing his old team, then this would certainly contend for the game of the week. I like the Jets this year because they’re feisty and full of promise. But like my old man said, the word “potential” just means you haven’t done it yet. I can see the Jets hanging with the Saints, but not for four quarters. Saints win … and the score might just be 45-35.
St. Louis at San Francisco (-9.5)
Just like Kansas City, I need a reason to believe in the Rams. And the fact that their top draft pick is now hurting with a knee injury doesn’t help anything. I’m not convinced that San Francisco is the real deal just yet, but I like them over the Rams. Come to think of it, I like anyone over the Rams right now.
Dallas (-3) at Denver
Boy, this one might as well be a pick-em game. Dallas doesn’t deserve to be the favorite, especially since they’ve been so up-and-down. And while Denver is 3-0, they’re not exactly beating the cream of the NFL’s crop. I’ll go Dallas in this one, but I can completely see Tony Romo blowing a game like this one.
San Diego at Pittsburgh (-6.5)
The Steelers need a comeback game after dropping one to the Bengals. The Chargers, meanwhile, may or may not have LaDainian Tomlinson. I like the Chargers in this one, because I think it will once again take an entire season for Pittsburgh to round into Super Bowl-contending shape.
Week 3 Results: 11-5
2009 Season Prediction Results: 27-21 (.563)
Week 3 Predictions / Week 2 Prediction
[Critic Al appears on SportScape screens throughout the country.]
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